Are you curious about how long a football game lasts? The duration of a football match can vary due to several factors. This comprehensive guide breaks down the typical length of a game, what contributes to extra time, and how it differs across various leagues. Find the answers you’re looking for and more at CAUHOI2025.UK.COM. Learn about football game length, stoppage time, injury time, and average play time.
Table of Contents
- How Long is a Football Match in the UK?
- Why is a Football Game 90 Minutes?
- How Long is a World Cup Football Game?
- Qatar 2022 World Cup Stoppage Times
- Football World Cup 2022: Data Study of Added Time (Stoppage Time)
- Analysis of the World Cup 2022 Added Time Data
- Why Qatar World Cup Games Had so Much Added Time
- The ‘Ball in Play’ Debate
- How Long is Half-Time in Football? (UK)
- How Long is Extra Time in Football?
- When Do Penalty Shoot Outs Happen?
- What Is Fergie Time?
- How Long Is Football Game Stoppage Time? (Injury Time)
- How Long on Average is the Ball in Play in Football?
- How Long are Football Games For Youth Leagues?
- How Does UK Football Differ From United States’ Football?
- How Long’s a Football Match? (Average NFL Game Length)
- How Long Is 5 A Side Football?
- FAQ
- Looking for more answers?
1. How Long is a Football Match in the UK?
According to the official Laws of the Game, a standard football (soccer) match in the UK is 90 minutes long, divided into two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute half-time interval. In some situations, an additional 30 minutes may be played. Games can be shorter if agreed upon beforehand by the teams and referees. [1] However, the actual duration is often longer due to added time.
2. Why is a Football Game 90 Minutes?
The 90-minute match length originated in the UK. During one of the early matches between London and Sheffield, a dispute arose regarding the game’s duration. Consequently, both teams decided that matches should last 90 minutes. This rule became a fundamental aspect of the game and was adopted by leagues worldwide.
Despite these official regulations, the average football match extends beyond 90 minutes. Various factors such as team breaks, injuries, and celebrations can lead to extra time being added to the halves, potentially extending the game’s duration to over two hours.
It is almost certain that a match will exceed 90 minutes. Even without unforeseen breaks, the use of three substitutions per team (approximately 30 seconds per player) adds an extra 3 minutes to the end of either half.
The referee ultimately determines the amount of extra time. However, during the game, an official displays a digital board indicating the minimum extra time to be added at the end.
3. How Long is a World Cup Football Game?
A World Cup football match also consists of two 45-minute halves. The halftime break is typically 15 minutes. Therefore, a FIFA World Cup group game usually lasts about one and a half hours, plus stoppage time. Knockout World Cup games can go into extra time, with two 15-minute halves. If the score remains tied after extra time, a penalty shootout determines the winner.
Qatar 2022 World Cup Stoppage Times
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar saw significantly increased stoppage times. In the England vs. Iran match, a World Cup record of 27 minutes and 4 seconds of stoppage time was added.
Football World Cup 2022: Data Study of Added Time (Stoppage Time)
During the group stage of the Qatar World Cup, an average of nearly 12 minutes was added to each game. This was a notable increase compared to previous World Cups.
| World Cup 2022 Group Game | H | A | Goals (Total) | Time added (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov, 20: Qatar V Ecuador | 0 | 2 | 2 | 10.18 |
| Nov, 21: Senegal V Netherlands | 0 | 2 | 2 | 12.4 |
| Nov, 21: England V IR Iran | 6 | 2 | 8 | 27.04 |
| Nov, 21: USA V Wales | 1 | 1 | 2 | 14.29 |
| Nov, 22: Argentina V Saudi Arabia | 1 | 2 | 3 | 20.12 |
| Nov, 22: Mexico V Poland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9.24 |
| Nov, 22: Denmark V Tunisia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12.14 |
| Nov, 22: France V Australia | 4 | 1 | 5 | 13.15 |
| Nov, 23: Germany V Japan | 1 | 2 | 3 | 14.09 |
| Nov, 23: Spain V Costa Rica | 7 | 0 | 7 | 13.06 |
| Nov, 23: Morocco V Croatia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8.18 |
| Nov, 23: Belgium V Canada | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| Nov, 24: Switzerland V Cameroon | 1 | 0 | 1 | 9.05 |
| Nov, 24: Brazil V Serbia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8.1 |
| Nov, 24: Portugal V Ghana | 3 | 2 | 5 | 12.07 |
| Nov, 24: Uruguay V Korea Republic | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8.53 |
| Nov, 25: Qatar V Senegal | 1 | 3 | 4 | 13.03 |
| Nov, 25: Netherlands V Ecuador | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10.06 |
| Nov, 25: Wales V IR Iran | 0 | 2 | 2 | 16.35 |
| Nov, 25: England V USA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.53 |
| Nov, 26: Poland V Saudi Arabia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 17.03 |
| Nov, 26: Argentina V Mexico | 2 | 0 | 2 | 11.57 |
| Nov, 26: Tunisia V Australia | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11.16 |
| Nov, 26: France V Denmark | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10.06 |
| Nov, 27: Japan V Costa Rica | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7.17 |
| Nov, 27: Spain V Germany | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8.1 |
| Nov, 27: Belgium V Morocco | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8.53 |
| Nov, 27: Croatia V Canada | 4 | 1 | 5 | 11.08 |
| Nov, 28: Cameroon V Serbia | 3 | 3 | 6 | 13.38 |
| Nov, 28: Brazil V Switzerland | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6.51 |
| Nov, 28: Korea Republic V Ghana | 2 | 3 | 5 | 16.28 |
| Nov, 28: Portugal V Uruguay | 2 | 0 | 2 | 13 |
| Nov, 29: Ecuador V Senegal | 1 | 2 | 3 | 12.56 |
| Nov, 29: Netherlands V Qatar | 2 | 0 | 2 | 9.11 |
| Nov, 29: IR Iran V USA | 0 | 1 | 1 | 16.56 |
| Nov, 29: Wales V England | 0 | 3 | 3 | 9.01 |
| Nov, 30: Tunisia V France | 1 | 0 | 1 | 15.11 |
| Nov, 30: Australia V Denmark | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8.01 |
| Nov, 30: Poland V Argentina | 0 | 2 | 2 | 9.06 |
| Nov, 30: Saudi Arabia V Mexico | 1 | 2 | 3 | 13.37 |
| Dec, 01: Croatia V Belgium | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8.23 |
| Dec, 01: Canada V Morocco | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9.03 |
| Dec, 01: Japan V Spain | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8.16 |
| Dec, 01: Costa Rica V Germany | 2 | 4 | 6 | 11.03 |
| Dec, 02: Korea Republic V Portugal | 2 | 1 | 3 | 9.01 |
| Dec, 02: Ghana V Uruguay | 0 | 2 | 2 | 17.45 |
| Dec, 02: Cameroon V Brazil | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13.59 |
| Dec, 02: Serbia V Switzerland | 2 | 3 | 5 | 13.18 |
Analysis of the World Cup 2022 Added Time Data
- A total of just under 563 added minutes were played (over 6 matches worth)
- The average added time was just under 12 minutes
- Over 60% of games lasted over 100 minutes
- The most added time (27.04) was the England V IR Iran on Nov, 21
- The least added time (5.53) was the England V USA on Nov, 25
- Average game in the first 6 matches of the 2022 World Cup was 106 minutes and 12 seconds (av. for 2018 World Cup: 97 minutes 12 seconds)
- The more goals meant generally more stoppage time (reflecting the FIFA directive (see below)
- The duration of added time was on a downward trend as the tournament went on
FIFA World Cup 2022: Time added in group games. The trendline reveals how added time decreased as the tournament progressed
Why Qatar World Cup Games Had so Much Added Time
FIFA’s new directive emphasized adding “unnatural lost time” to the standard 90 minutes. Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA referees committee, explained that this was to more accurately compensate for time lost due to celebrations, injuries, and other delays.
“What we already did in Russia [2018] was to more accurately calculate the time to be compensated[…]. If you want more active time, we need to be ready to see this kind of additional time given. Think of a match with three goals scored. A celebration normally takes one, one-and-a-half minutes, so with three goals scored, you lose five or six minutes […]. If we want to protect the image of the game we must calculate time and add it on at the end of each half. We do not want matches where the ball is only in play for 43, 44 or 45 minutes. We must make sure the time is fair for both teams.”
The ‘Ball in Play’ Debate
This directive reflects an ongoing debate in football about increasing “ball in play” time. Suggestions include stricter punishments for time-wasting and a “stop-clock” similar to the NFL. However, some argue that increasing playing time could strain players, especially with already congested schedules in leagues like the Premier League.
4. How Long is Half-Time in Football? (UK)
Half-time in football lasts 15 minutes. This break allows teams to strategize for the second half. The half-time interval dates back to the beginning of football when teams from different Associations would play each other. To make up for the differences, the first half would be played by one Association’s rules, whilst the second half would be played by the other Association’s rules.
Originally, the half time interval was only 10 minutes, but the time was extended in 1995. Across the world, the duration of the half time break is 15 minutes. Whilst the half time interval of 15 minutes should not exceed the limit by even one minute, a short break for drinks is allowed during extra time between each of the halves.
5. How Long is Extra Time in Football?
In competitions where a winner must be determined, a tied score after 90 minutes leads to extra time. Extra time consists of two 15-minute halves, totaling 30 minutes. Goals scored during this period are added to the final score. If the score remains level after extra time, a penalty shootout ensues.
6. When Do Penalty Shoot Outs Happen?
If the score is still tied after extra time, a penalty shootout determines the winner. Each team takes five penalty kicks, with different players attempting each shot. The team with the most goals after five attempts wins. If the score remains tied, a “sudden death” round begins, where the first team to miss a shot loses.
7. What Is Fergie Time?
“Fergie Time” is a term used in English football, named after former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. It refers to the perception that Manchester United would frequently win games with extra time added at the end of the match. Whether or not “Fergie Time” actually exists is a topic of debate.
8. How Long Is Football Game Stoppage Time? (Injury Time)
Stoppage time, also known as injury time, is added to the end of each half to compensate for delays during the game. These delays can include substitutions, injuries, and time-wasting tactics. The referee determines the amount of stoppage time based on the time lost. Stoppage time typically ranges from one to several minutes, with longer stoppages often occurring in the second half.
Delays happen frequently during a football match, whether coaches decide to make a substitution or injuries require players needs to be escorted off of the field. These are a few examples of unintentional delays that can happen during games, but there are a few instances when teams deliberately waste time.
9. How Long on Average is the Ball in Play in Football?
Data from the early weeks of the 2022/23 Premier League season showed that the ball was in play for an average of 54 minutes. This has led to increasing calls for a minimum “ball in play” duration of 60 minutes, potentially using a “stop-clock” similar to that used in the NFL.
10. How Long are Football Games For Youth Leagues?
Youth football games are often shorter than standard 90-minute matches. The duration varies depending on the age group, with younger players playing shorter halves. For example, under-six leagues may play 10-minute halves, while under-fourteen leagues play 35-minute halves. Players over 17 typically play standard 45-minute halves. [2]
length of football game uk youth
11. How Does UK Football Differ From United States’ Football?
There are significant differences between UK football (soccer) and American football (NFL). Besides the fact that the former is played with the feet, while the latter is played with the hands, the length of each game and how the games are divided are entirely different.
While the typical UK football game lasts a minimum of 90 minutes, an NFL game can go on for hours.
12. How Long’s a Football Match? (Average NFL Game Length)
According to official rules, NFL match should last a minimum of 60 minutes (1 hour). This hour of playing time is split into two 30-minute halves. Each of the halves that make up the hour of playing time consists of two 15-minute quarters, for a total of four quarters. However, a NFL game always goes over the allotted time. NFL games often exceed this time due to numerous interruptions, such as media timeouts and injuries. The average NFL game lasts around three hours. Even when the game is stopped and the ball is not in play, the clock will keep running.
13. How Long Is 5 A Side Football?
A 5-a-side football match typically lasts 40 minutes, with two 20-minute halves. 6-a-side and 7-a-side games are often 45 minutes long.
14. FAQ
Q: How long is a standard football game?
A: A standard football game is 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves.
Q: How long is halftime in football?
A: Halftime in football is 15 minutes.
Q: What is stoppage time?
A: Stoppage time is added time at the end of each half to compensate for delays.
Q: How long is extra time in football?
A: Extra time is 30 minutes, divided into two 15-minute halves.
Q: What happens if the score is tied after extra time?
A: A penalty shootout determines the winner.
Q: How long is a youth football game?
A: Youth football game lengths vary depending on age, but are typically shorter than 90 minutes.
Q: What is “Fergie Time”?
A: “Fergie Time” refers to the perception that Manchester United often won games with extra time added at the end.
Q: What is the average ball in play time in football?
A: The average ball in play time is around 54 minutes.
Q: How does UK football differ from American football?
A: UK football is played with the feet, while American football is played with the hands, and the game lengths differ significantly.
Q: How long is an average NFL game?
A: The average NFL game lasts around three hours.
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